The optional M sport package includes excellent spor
t seats, a very meaty M multi function steering wheel, a luxurious looking anthracite roof liner and an aluminium cube pure interior trim. The Dakota leather buckets and bench are a rich auburn color that matches beautifully with the black textured plastics. Speaking of nice things, the cargo area is so lavishly finished that it pained me to carry boxes back there after a trip to IKEA. The carpeting is soft to the touch and it all comes together thanks to a standard power operated two-piece hatch.
Perhaps sadly, the only engine found under the bonnet of the 5-Series wagon is BMW's all-new 3.0L inline 6-cylinder that develops 255 hp and 220 lb/ft of torque. I say sadly not because the motor is sluggish and lacks gusto, it is actually a fine performer. The issue at hand is that once the car is loaded with passengers and gear, the 3.0L is working fairly hard to move the 1 745 + kg car. I would think it only logical for BMW to drop the 360 hp 4.8L V8 of the 550i to liven up the drive and to compete with the Mercedes E500 wagon. The principal advantage to the 6 is that I
managed a very respectable 12.4L of fuel consumed per 100 km.
The principal attributes to the drive of the 530xiT are its steering, braking and handling. Never has a station wagon been so nimble and fun to drive as this. I really get pleasure from the fact that BMW did not compromise the car's abilities for added cargo carrying capacity. Of course, with great driving dynamics comes a slightly stiffer than expected suspension. Abrupt dips and undulations will shake the car but most reasonable sized bumps will be expertly absorbed. The rear suspension is self-levelling to maintain stability and an even ride height. The 4-whel vented discs coupled to a firm pedal are amongst the most confidence-inspiring in the business. Steering is incisive and inputs are well communicated to the P245/40R18 Bridgestone tires.
BMW's xDrive AWD system, which distributes traction 40% front and 60% rear, is seamless and provides somewhat more grip when entering into a curve. The power first makes its way through either a 6-speed manual or
automatic transmission. The tested manual's shifter is smooth and progressive however I found the throws to be rather long and the gate wide.
The 530 has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, available rear side bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, dynamic stability control, a tire pressure warning sys
tem and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has not crash tested the car. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the 5-Series sedan a "Best Pick" in its category.
I love wagons so what can be better than a 5-Seris BMW with AWD and a 6-speed manual transmission? An M 5-Series wagon. That is all. With a price range of between $72,800 and about $90,000 ($82,800 as tested), the 530xiT is not in everyone's price range including myself. What is certain is that for the family that is looking for extra cargo room, that is trying to keep away from the SUVs and that requires panache, look no further than this car.
Good stuff:
Build quality
Steering + brakes
Seats
Not so good stuff:
No V8 offered
i-Drive
Competitors:
Mercedes E350 wagon
Audi A6 3.2 Avant
t seats, a very meaty M multi function steering wheel, a luxurious looking anthracite roof liner and an aluminium cube pure interior trim. The Dakota leather buckets and bench are a rich auburn color that matches beautifully with the black textured plastics. Speaking of nice things, the cargo area is so lavishly finished that it pained me to carry boxes back there after a trip to IKEA. The carpeting is soft to the touch and it all comes together thanks to a standard power operated two-piece hatch. Perhaps sadly, the only engine found under the bonnet of the 5-Series wagon is BMW's all-new 3.0L inline 6-cylinder that develops 255 hp and 220 lb/ft of torque. I say sadly not because the motor is sluggish and lacks gusto, it is actually a fine performer. The issue at hand is that once the car is loaded with passengers and gear, the 3.0L is working fairly hard to move the 1 745 + kg car. I would think it only logical for BMW to drop the 360 hp 4.8L V8 of the 550i to liven up the drive and to compete with the Mercedes E500 wagon. The principal advantage to the 6 is that I
 |
The principal attributes to the drive of the 530xiT are its steering, braking and handling. Never has a station wagon been so nimble and fun to drive as this. I really get pleasure from the fact that BMW did not compromise the car's abilities for added cargo carrying capacity. Of course, with great driving dynamics comes a slightly stiffer than expected suspension. Abrupt dips and undulations will shake the car but most reasonable sized bumps will be expertly absorbed. The rear suspension is self-levelling to maintain stability and an even ride height. The 4-whel vented discs coupled to a firm pedal are amongst the most confidence-inspiring in the business. Steering is incisive and inputs are well communicated to the P245/40R18 Bridgestone tires.
BMW's xDrive AWD system, which distributes traction 40% front and 60% rear, is seamless and provides somewhat more grip when entering into a curve. The power first makes its way through either a 6-speed manual or
The 530 has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, available rear side bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, dynamic stability control, a tire pressure warning sys
tem and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has not crash tested the car. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the 5-Series sedan a "Best Pick" in its category. I love wagons so what can be better than a 5-Seris BMW with AWD and a 6-speed manual transmission? An M 5-Series wagon. That is all. With a price range of between $72,800 and about $90,000 ($82,800 as tested), the 530xiT is not in everyone's price range including myself. What is certain is that for the family that is looking for extra cargo room, that is trying to keep away from the SUVs and that requires panache, look no further than this car.
Good stuff:
 |
Build quality
Steering + brakes
Seats
Not so good stuff:
No V8 offered
i-Drive
Competitors:
Mercedes E350 wagon
Audi A6 3.2 Avant
Article Gallery